The one practice drill I've seen someone try is to bring a 2 x 4 with them to the lanes and put it on the approach to train them to stay left (or right) of the 2 x 4 while still focusing on their target.

Thanks guys, both great ideas. I'll give them a try!

Matt

The main problem I find with drifting to the right (for RH bowlers) is the eyes.  Your body compensates to line itself up with your target.  If she is targeting 2nd arrow, then her slide foot should end up around 7-10 boards left of that...regardless of where she starts on the approach...simply because your body will follow the eyes.  Drifting isn't a problem as long as it is the same every time.  Make sure her eyes are targeting left on the lane and you'll find that her feet will end up further left on the approach.  Again, the body will follow the eyes naturally.  Also, her feet need to be pointed in the direction of her target on the lane.  If she is playing a direct line, then her feet need to point straight ahead.  If she needs to open up her angles and play inside, then her target on the lane needs to be more inside and her feet need to point a little right and toward the target.  Don't be concerned so much with drift as finishing position and on lane targeting...as long as the drift is consistent.

Have her line up in the same starting position and throw 10 shots at the same target.  Her normal starting target is perfect for this exercise.  Note where her slide foot ends up.  If it is in the same 1-2 board area each time, then drifting isn't the problem...provided she hits her target.  Next, have her change her target 1 arrow or 5 boards left.  She should also be standing further left on the approach.  Have her throw 10 shots from this area.  Note where her slide foot ends up and if she is hitting her target.  I'm guessing that as long as she is focused on her target, that her slide foot will end up where it needs to be.  If not, there are some safer drills to try other than using 2x4's and a towel, lol.  That could be dangerous, simple tape placed on the approach works just as well to serve as a visual aid.  Post the results and I'll offer suggestions if a fix is in order.

Dr3w what you are talking about I can relate too. I noticed in my videos as I have been trying to free up my swing is on my 3rd step I take a big drift left to clear my swing but looks like my shift in body weight pulls my swing behind my back. I think I'll be focusing on my footwork next practice session

Yeah when I first realized that she drifted I was like oh well, no biggie, she probably does it the same every time. That's true, as long as she's starting at, and aiming at, the same point. When the lanes start breaking down and I try moving her left, she drifts MORE, even when her target is left of the original one. Even when she's throwing left of where she's starting, say, at a 7 pin cross lane, she drifts right. At least 5 boards, but I've seen her drift up to 15 boards. Almost all of the drift happens on the last step.  I'm going to give a couple of these suggestions a try to see what happens, I'll keep ya'll posted.

Matt

Drifting is a fun pain in my butt. I carried arround a 225 average until i hurt my back and now i am about a 205. But now i have to move slower so i found i drifted worse. The way i finally managed to compensate a bit, and i know this isn't exactly the best way to do it was to focus where i was going to throw from not throw to. until my third step then look at my target. Since i am moving so slow it seems to work fine. I always want to throw from the same look if you will so the more i move the more i drift and end back up at center.

I do not know if that will help but it seems to be helping me. If i move fast it does not work so its my clue to slow down as well.

Just a thought, ball could be a tad heavy for her and pulling her right at the release.
Another thought, the big nasty targets at the foul line after eyeballing his target, this way keeping your eye on same board release will keep one from drifting.